Alzolay reached the big leagues for the first time at age 24 but didn't look great in 12.1 innings, allowing 10 runs and walking nine batters. His 4.41 ERA in 15 starts for Triple-A Iowa isn't too exciting either, but his 32.3 K% in those starts provides some reason to be excited for Alzolay's future. Whether that future comes in the rotation or the bullpen remains to be seen. Alzolay's smaller frame and lack of a strong third pitch to complement his fastball and curve would seem to point in the latter direction. He has the tools to become a strong late-inning option for a team that has lacked stability in that area, though relieving won't give him much fantasy value unless he's in the closer conversation. If he does get a run in the rotation, Alzolay has a bit of upside as a potential high-strikeout streamer, but it would probably take an injury for an opportunity to open up. Read Past Outlooks

ANALYSISAlzolay was optioned to Triple-A Iowa in March and was slated to spend a good chunk of the season there, with the Cubs boasting a number of veteran starters. However, the coronavirus pandemic might alter those plans, as MLB teams are expected to operate with expanded rosters whenever the season is able to begin, and the minor-league season might not happen at all. Alzolay made his MLB debut toward the end of 2019, and he's still likely a part of Chicago's future, so the Cubs may want to get him more run in the majors if they can.

This section compares his stats with all starting pitcher seasons from the previous three seasons (minimum 120 innings)*. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that stat and it would be considered average.

Batting average on balls in play. Measures how many balls in play against a pitcher go for hits.

GB/FB

Groundball to flyball ratio. The higher the number, the more likely a pitcher is to induce groundballs.

Left On Base

The percentage of base runners that a pitcher strands on base over the course of a season.

Exit Velocity

The speed of the baseball as it comes off the bat, immediately after a batter makes contact.

Barrels/BBE

The percentage of batted ball events resulting in a Barrel. A Barrel is a batted ball with similar exit velocity and launch angle to past ones that led to a minimum .500 batting average and 1.500 slugging percentage.

Spin Rate

Spin Rate is the rate of spin on a baseball after it is released. It is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm).

Balls Hit 95+ MPH

The percentage of batted balls hit that met or exceeded the 95 MPH threshold.

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2018 Fantasy Outlook

If Alzolay were in a better farm system, he would blend in, but he will be ranked near the top of the Cubs' system by most outlets, and unnecessary dynasty-league hype will follow. He is the only pitcher in that system with some upside who is also relatively close to the majors. Indeed, proximity to the big leagues may be his most appealing trait. His plus fastball sits at 93-94 mph, and he has a quality breaking ball, but his changeup is a distant third pitch, and his curveball is by no means a hammer. Alzolay has above-average command, which allowed him to hold his own in the lower levels before he experienced a velocity bump last season. With only seven starts at Double-A, he may head back to the Southern League, but it's possible he is assigned straight to Triple-A after spring training. The Cubs could call upon Alzolay during his age-23 season, whether to plug a hole in the rotation or work in middle relief. Unless his changeup really comes along, he profiles as a No. 4 starter or setup man.